A devastating incident unfolded on Thursday as a boat carrying numerous passengers capsized on Lake Kivu in eastern Congo. Witnesses reported to The Associated Press that the tragic event resulted in the loss of at least 50 lives. The exact number of individuals onboard remains unclear, but witnesses observed rescue teams retrieving 50 bodies from the water. Additionally, 10 survivors were rescued and promptly transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
The ill-fated boat, overloaded with passengers, sank while attempting to dock near the port of Kituku, just a short distance away. The vessel was en route from Minova in South Kivu province to Goma in North Kivu province. Local authorities have confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing, and the final death toll is yet to be determined.
Regrettably, this incident marks the latest in a series of deadly boat accidents in the central African country, often attributed to overcrowding and non-compliance with maritime regulations. Despite repeated warnings from Congolese officials against overloading and safety violations, tragic events like these continue to occur.
Witnesses at the scene described the boat as visibly overcrowded, emphasizing the dire circumstances that led to the disaster. The governor of South Kivu province highlighted the severe overcrowding issue, noting that the boat was carrying three times its intended capacity.
Residents and families of the victims have gathered at the port of Kituku, expressing frustration over perceived negligence by authorities amidst growing insecurity in the region. The closure of land routes due to armed conflicts has forced many traders to rely on maritime transport on Lake Kivu, viewed as a safer alternative despite recent tragedies.
Survivors shared harrowing accounts of the ordeal, recounting the terrifying moment when the boat started taking on water and eventually capsized. One survivor, Neema Chimanga, described the chaos as passengers attempted to escape the sinking vessel.
The community is left mourning the loss of loved ones, with one individual tragically losing four family members in the disaster. The survivor's poignant plea for an end to conflict echoes the sentiment of many affected by the tragedy.
As the rescue efforts continue and the community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, questions arise about the safety of water transportation in the region and the urgent need for enhanced measures to prevent future tragedies.
